TOYOTA GR GT: A Masterclass in Going Back to Basics

Toyota is serious about performance, and we in Malaysia should be paying attention.

With the unveiling of the GR GT, Toyota isn’t just launching a new car; they’re relaunching a philosophy. One that sees the thrill of driving as a sacred tradition. This new flagship follows in the footsteps of legends like the Toyota 2000GT and the mighty Lexus LFA, continuing a heritage of high-performance vehicles that perfectly blend skill and technology.

What impressed us most at DRIVIN-ON.COM is the sheer vision behind the GR GT, a concept Toyota calls “Shikinen Sengu.” For us in the Malaysian automotive scene, where the debate often revolves around the next big efficiency drive or electric vehicle (EV) incentive, this approach is a breath of fresh, high-octane air.

It’s about honoring and passing down the essential skills of car building from the veterans (like those who worked on the LFA) to the new generation of engineers.
This ensures that the fundamental feel of a great car isn’t lost, even as technology evolves, something we value deeply on our roads, whether you’re driving a trusty Vios or a sleek Supra.

The development team, led by Master Driver Morizo (also known as Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda), worked hand-in-hand with professional and gentleman drivers. They didn’t just ask for feedback; they listened to the cars being pushed to their absolute limits to capture the intent of the driver and build it into the machine.

The GR GT is a road car with the soul of a race machine, and its engineering focuses on three core principles that all come down to a better, more connected drive.

A Low-Down Balance: The car uses a classic front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, which is great for control. The engineers worked tirelessly to place every component as low as possible. This brings the driver and the car’s center of mass almost to the same level, making the car feel like a natural extension of the person behind the wheel.
Light and Strong Structure: This machine is built around Toyota’s first all-aluminum frame, making it both lightweight and incredibly solid. They then strengthen key areas like the bonnet and roof with carbon fibre, focusing on rigidity where it matters most.
Shaped by the Wind: Instead of designing the exterior first, they did the opposite: they created the perfect aerodynamic shape first, and then designed the body around it. This “reverse design” approach ensures the GR GT cuts through the air with maximum efficiency, leading to stunning performance.

Under the bonnet is a newly developed 4.0-litre V8 engine with two turbos, paired with a hybrid system that includes an electric motor integrated into the rear gear system. This setup targets an incredible over 650 PS of power and over 850 Nm of pulling force. These numbers confirm one thing: this is a car built to give you overwhelming power, instantly and precisely.

In a world where the Malaysian automotive market is seeing a huge push towards electric vehicles and highly practical cars, the GR GT is a bold statement. It reminds everyone, from our national carmakers to the everyday driver, that the passion for the pure driving experience is alive and well.

Toyota’s continuous investment in high-performance cars, through their GAZOO Racing (GR) division (which is already popular in Malaysia with models like the GR Yaris and GR Supra), shows a dedication to pushing the limits of engineering. This pursuit of the “ever-better car” benefits everyone, as the lessons learned in making the GR GT a track beast eventually trickle down into the reliability and technology of the Hilux or Vios you see on our Malaysian roads.

The GR GT isn’t just for a few wealthy collectors; it’s a symbol of mastery and commitment to the machine. And that’s a vision we can all get behind.